FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. Everyone needs help now and then. Identifying that moment and accepting it takes strength. In the past you may have had some strengths that you’ve used before to get through the difficulties of your life, but for some reason it’s no longer working for you. Perhaps the problem that you are facing feels overwhelming and is challenging for you to access your past strengths. In our work together I can help you do 1 of 2 things or both if necessary: I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to apply them in your life to address the difficulties/problems you are facing; and/or I will work alongside you on how to develop or learn new skills to enhance your everyday life and your relationships.

What’s the difference between talking to you and talking to a best friend/significant other/family member?

The relationship between a therapist and a client is a unique one. Whether you are coming to therapy for yourself, your marriage/significant other relationship, or for your family, I provide services with Respect, Insight, Compassion and Empathy. I am committed to practice from a non-judgmental and unbiased viewpoint. I’m an active listener and participant in helping create change in your life and support you in keeping your dignity through the process. In addition, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Is therapy better than taking medication for my problems?

Medication alone cannot solve all your issues. The intended purpose of medication is to address the symptoms (your body’s physical response to stress, emotional hurt, pain, ailments that are a part of the condition, etc.). I believe in addressing the heart of the matter in a holistic manner. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the problem, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals, independent of or in conjunction with medication.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed alongside therapy. For example, if the problem you are dealing with stems from a chemical imbalance, therapy cannot address that imbalance on its own. I would encourage you to speak to your doctor about medication assessment/management. However, if your problems are challenging, but you are managing, to some extent, to function in your everyday tasks/activities, then I’m a firm believer that therapy could be an effective approach to explore independent of medication.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy every individual’s experience will be different. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs and goals that we establish in our first few sessions. We then focus our sessions on working towards those goals and assessing growth or setbacks in between sessions.

How long will I have to be in therapy??

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. The length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. Oftentimes, sessions are scheduled to occur once a week and then spaced out as you see progress.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to be a part of the process?

The desire to want to get the most out of your sessions is the first step. Your active participation and dedication in session is crucial to your success. But equally as important is the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.